This item was published during the term of a previous administration that ended in April 2007
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Hospital redevelopment at Stranraer
09/01/2002
A new £6.6 million hospital redevelopment programme in Stranraer was given the go-ahead today.
Garrick Hospital and the town's health centre are set to be replaced on the existing Dalrymple Hospital site. This will mean that all hospital and GP services can now be provided from a single location and aim to provide providing more modern healthcare facilities, better accident and emergency services and improved access for rural communities.
The Stranraer hospital is one of the first beneficiaries of last year's investment across the country to facilitate the rebuilding of the NHS, and is in addition to the £2.3m Health Centre replacement project already underway.
Announcing the project's go-ahead, Health Minister Malcolm Chisholm said:
"The development of this site is an excellent example of the real improvements that increased investment is now providing for the NHS in Scotland.
"Redeveloping hospital facilities in Stranraer will provide real benefits for people in the area. By replacing two older hospitals, this project will allow for a much improved range of services, including more day-care, short stay services, better access for those living in remote or rural areas and improved A&E services.
"The Executive is committed to funding improvements in the NHS to turn around decades of neglect. Giving dedicated professional staff improved facilities will help them to do their jobs in an environment that is fit for the 21 st century.
"This new healthcare centre is part of our biggest ever investment in rebuilding the NHS - an initiative that is delivering new hospitals and health centres all across Scotland".
A design team for the hospital development will be appointed by the end of this month and it is anticipated that a planning application will be made in the spring. Building work will be underway by the end of the year and the new facility will open in 2004.
The £2.3m Health Centre redevelopment which will be integrated with the new hopital facility is already under construction and is planned for completion in Autumn 2002.
Details of the building programme in Scotland can be found at: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/news/2001/05/se1142.asp